THE KNITTING MACHINE

Today I learnt something new.. how to use a knitting machine!

It wasn't easy going, it is quite difficult to get the hang of threading it up, getting all the settings right and especially learning how to cast off. If you are a long time reader of my blog you will remember that I learn how to hand knit last summer, well coming from that to a machine I couldn't believe how fast it worked.. you could make a winter scarf in time for actual winter!

After the machine is threaded up, you cast onto the needles and then all you have to do is slide that handle back and forth and that is what operates the needles and knits, took a bit of getting used too, it's quite a good toning machine for your arm! The quicker you slide it, the quicker it knits and then when you're done you cast off. You have to cast off manually unfortunately, it is very fiddly and took me absolutely ages (that's why I stayed behind after class for so long) but as I've done hand knitting before I at least had a basic understanding of what I was trying to do.

Today we just made little samples and testing things out, I need to buy colored yarn in color that relate to the color pallets I've been creating for Color & Fabric class.. which I might post up soon, lots of pretty colors. When I get my colored yarn I will be making samples in those colors which I can then stick in with my research which will be different.

I really enjoyed machine knitting, I stayed behind after class to carry on with my samples.. wanted to get a good understanding and start building up some skill on it. It knits so quickly it's like magic (which I said accidentally out loud in class when the teacher was showing us what to do, totally sounded like a child), I'm tempted to knit myself a scarf or something, I could do it in an evening there. Ooh, I could totally make a Harry Potter scarf! Ideas, ideas.

This is my finished sample, I'm really proud of it and I totally love the fairisle pattern.. so deliciously kitsch!

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ALWAYS ONE STEP AHEAD

As I write this the sun is shining brightly through my bedroom window and there is a slight Summer breeze in the air.. despite this my thought are with the Autumn/Winter season.

I know it's August but I can't help but think ahead to when the weather turns colder and harsher, maybe it's because I'm a fashionista.. always looking/thinking ahead is built into our minds. As always the two biggest things I look forward too when the colder months come is chunky knitwear and fur, and what better way to prepare than stocking up during the Summer?

I recently purchased these two chunky knit jumpers from Topman, specifically the Topman sale! That's one of the reasons why I buy classic A/W pieces during the Summer because of the sales. These were £34 down to £20 for the burgundy one and £17 for the navy. They're really comfortable, cozy and will definitely keep me warm! I can't wait to wear them with skinny trousers/jeans, military boots and of course fur!!

P.S. The burgundy jumper reminds me of something Mrs Weasly would knit for Ron or Harry, it does actually make me feel special, haha.

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MOST WANTED WEDNESDAY #24

Another wedding dress, but I just couldn't not upload this.. it's so beautiful.

This weeks Most Wanted Wednesday is Fleur Delacour/Weasly's wedding dress from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part One. This dress is just visually stunning and quite different from any other wedding dress I've come across.

It's an elaborate layered white tulle dress with a over-lied lace motif in a gorgeous dual phoenix design that starts at the bust and carries on around the dress, what makes it so different and enchanting is the use of black lace on the white background in such a unique motif.

Although after researching more into this dress created by costume designer Jany Temime it seems like the design was blatantly copied from an Alexander McQueen dress from his Autumn/Winter 2008 collection.. at first I did think it was an altered McQueen dress but I'm really surprised she has been allowed to copy to such detail. McQueen's team failed to comment, maybe they are Harry Potter fans and felt maybe flattered.

Plagiarism issues aside, this dress is absolutely gorgeous and fit the character, the theme, the film perfectly.. the phoenix bird is a symbol of love in a way because there is rebirth, love never dies.. it is born again.

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MOST WANTED WEDNESDAY #8

Hey guys, before I get into tonight's post I have some great news for you. Last Wednesday I had an interview with the University of Newport and guess what? They have given me a conditional offer! I'm really happy, especially after how well my interview went, hopefully all my interviews will go this well. Only got two left now, Carmarthen and Bristol.

Now onto this week's Most Wanted Wednesday, with London Fashion Week almost over I thought it only appropriate to dedicate this week's post to a British brand which I would do anything to get my hands on it's collection!

This stunning coat made it's way down the Burberry Prorsum catwalk and I just love it! The color is to die for, it's so unusual to see a thick woolen winter coat in such a bright color such as orange. But it is so refreshing to see such colors for autumn/winter, it would brighten up any miserable grey day. I would wear this very minimally, black trousers/jeans, black boots and black accessories e.g. scarf and bag.

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ASOS COLLECTION A/W 2010

Inevitably the Summer is coming to the end and now Autumn is almost upon us we must start planning our new season wardrobes! This Autumn/Winter season I am determined to stay warm in a fashionable way.. no more bulky layers, mismatched knitwear (I can't stand it when my scarf and gloves don't match!) and unflattering outerwear.

I have started to put together a 'to buy' list for this season and one of the collection that I looked at was the ASOS COLLECTION, I adore the fur and knitwear.. two of the greatest things about the cold weather: the chance to wear two of my favorite fabrics.

Anyway, these are my personal favorites and will hopefully be in my closet in the following months!

These are fabulous, they would add touch of English countryside aristocratic glamour to any outfit.

This headband is super cute and would definitely keep my ears warm, also this plain grey marl hoody is perfect for layering on those lazy days.

I love these vintage inspired satchels, can't decide what color to buy, so I might have to buy both!

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WINTER 2010 INSPIRATION

Yes, I know the summer has only just began but in fashion we're always looking and planning 6 months ahead!

One of the Fall/Winter 2010 collections that inspired me most was D&G's Women's collection, featuring heavy knits, snowflake/reindeer motifs, fur and bedazzled ski accessories. On screens either side of the wooden catwalk showed a video of snowy alpine mountains, skiing and it just set the tone perfectly.

Last winter it was the coldest winter I have gone through, and to be honest I wasn't prepared for it. I wore as many clothes as I could wear in one outfit just to try and keep warm.. therefore looking uncoordinated which usually is one of my strong points. So this winter I will be prepared! Taking inspiration from D&G's collection I have designed and starting planning outfits that will keep my warm and fashionable!

I love the prints (they just scream winter to me), the tight knitwear, the use of shirts and those bow ties gives the outfits an interesting formal edge and the fur booties! My first piece of my winter wardrobe is in production, I'm really exited about it as I've learnt a new skill during the process, more information in a later post.

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Slater News

Hey guys, sorry for the lack of posts this week (again) just been so busy with my exams and revising. 

But I did manage to get some sewing done! I added a black zip to a grey ribbed vest, and it turned out great. I gave it to one of my best mates Shabnam, a girl almost as obsessed with fashion like as me. I think for my first collection of Slater apparel I will just do simple t-shirts and vests with my signature zip detail and subtle logo inside. When I get time I will take some decent pictures for you!

I'm still in the development process for Slater, hand-sewing everything to make sure its perfect! Maybe I will release my collection for Autumn/Winter 09, I hope so. 

xoxo